Take Me to the River

This documentary, directed by Martin Shore and narrated by the actor Terrence Howard, is really a low-key and congenial film, that brings together some of the musical legends of Memphis and the Mississippi Delta, and pairing them with some of the younger artists of today, for the purpose of making an innovative type album. In addition to Shore, the coordination is done by Luther and Cody Dickinson, the sons of the late Jim Dickinson, an acclaimed musician and record producer.

It will all develop into what one might call relaxed jam sessions, as these revered recording artists get to reminisce about the past, as well as meet and perform with the younger generation, including rappers and hip hop performers.

They'll also be a look at some of the history of Memphis music, and how many of the bands were integrated, such as Booker T. & the M.G.'s, despite prohibitive segregation laws in the South, Also, the history and demise of Stax Records, in Memphis, is covered, and its subsequent re- emergence as the Stax Museum and the Stax Music Academy and Charter School, to help aspiring young musicians.

Overall, despite some slow spots and the low-key nature of the movie, there's plenty of wonderful music to enjoy, and I also found it to be quite informative as well.

Though it was released in 2014, today is Oct 23, 2024, & I just discovered this movie. I heard a different version of Bobby "Blue" Bland's Ain't No Sunshine on the radio today; Shazam told me it was from this soundtrack. I immediately searched IMDB & discovered it was available through Freevee.

From the very 1st minute, I was hooked. To see some of the legends ply their craft again was special. The fact that this project was a fusion of old & new made it even more incredible.

I called it a rollercoaster because I felt so many emotions watching & listening. I grew up in Mississippi in the 1960s - 70s & experienced some of the good & bad associated w/those times. But make no mistake, this project filled me w/happiness. I only wish it had happened before we lost BB & others.

Thank you to the producers & everyone responsible for bringing this history lesson through music to life. Long live the Blues in general, & the Mississippi & Memphis Sound specifically.

The impact Memphis music has had on music across the world is enormous. Most people don't know the roots of the music that they like to listen to today and that many of those roots are firmly planted in Memphis. This film covers Memphis' musical history and current day impact like no other film. The film doesn't cover the well-known Memphis legends in the same manner as other movies or documentaries have done in the past. This film introduces the viewer to lesser known music royalty that had a big influence on the sounds coming from Memphis that impact bands and artists across the world. These greats are paired up with current day Memphis artists to collaborate and create new music from old standards. The movie not only provides a history lesson of Memphis' musical past but takes the viewer on the journey of creating this one of a kind album with old and new artists performing together. I thought it was telling when one current day artist, admitted that he had never worked with a live band in the studio before! If you like music of any kind, this movie is a must see.

This inter racial movie represents love for real musicians and people. It's about the development of the civil rights movement and the essence of Soul music. If you love music from Memphis, Stax, Hi records and artists that can perform their art on the spot then go see this movie. The movie is an emotional roller-coaster with singers like Otis Clay, William Bell, Mavis Staples and Bobbie Bland collaborating with Snoop Dogg, Lil P-Nut, The North Missisipi All-Stars, Yo Gotti and many more great artists. It's a must see wonderful movie! Never before in the world of cinema a movie was made about the people that actually raised and developed the Stax studios and music label. Here is the story told by the people who were involved and told in a way that no actor could act. It's rough and it's tough,but more then touching. You can almost smell the air of Memphis, because of the beautiful camera shots, close ups and images of surroundings and legendary music studios like Stax and Royal Studios where most of the music was recorded. The music is like the movie. Soothing your soul and make you want to turn it again and again.

I really enjoyed this movie to great extent! It is a wonderful documentary about the Memphis music legacy. It has some archive footage as one could expect, but the core of the movie are the live music sessions during which older musicians meet up with younger Memphis musicians. Those sessions are all about the joy of creating music together and thus pass the torch to new generations and so is the entire movie. Older musicians tell wonderful stories of the past, but also point out the hardships they had to overcome. In particular the racism, the civil rights movement, the murder of Dr. Martin Luther King. It all influenced the course of history and also the music. Blues blends with rap, soul with hiphop etc., etc.

I warmly recommend this movie because it originates directly from this love of music. And that's just so rich and beautiful.